MLS and college soccer have been intertwined since the league’s inception in 1996. Thousands of players have navigated the path successfully from college to MLS, with many going on to enjoy lengthy careers and win numerous trophies as professional.

A handful of those collegiate stars, after stints of varying length and impact in MLS, have jumped into the coaching ranks via one route or another. With the college season starting this weekend, here’s a look at some former MLS players currently in charge of college programs across the country

College Soccer Preview: Eight seniors to watch in 2011
Lousville star Rolfe highlights the list as opening day looms

opening of the men’s college soccer season on Friday gives fans the first chance to get a glimpse of some of the players who could be suiting up in MLS next year.

Here’s a look at eight seniors who will be in the mix during next January’s SuperDraft:

Ethan Finlay (F), Creighton

One of the top seniors in this year’s class, a minor injury has limited Finlay during the preseason. An out-and-out goalscorer with good pace, with another strong season the Wisconsin native is going to be a hot commodity in January.

Austin Berry (D), Louisville

A commanding physical presence on the back line, Berry is a central defender who looks like he could be very capable in MLS. Has the size and athleticism to provide a danger on set pieces as well.

Tony Cascio (M/F), Connecticut

Fresh off a strong season a year ago (10 goals and six assists), Cascio will look to lead the Huskies to postseason success in the final year. A product of Real Salt Lake’s Arizona Academy, Cascio is eligible to be a Home Grown signing.

Luke Holmes (M), Akron

A transfer from NAIA program Notre Dame College, Holmes will get an abbreviated year to showcase his skills under Caleb Porter in Akron. The native of Oldham, England, is a creative attacking midfielder who scored goals in bunches at the lower level of college.

Colin Rolfe (F), Louisville

The prolific striker (pictured above) took a step forward his junior season, refining his game to become a more all-around player. With good size and decent speed, a strong senior season could push him into SuperDraft first-round consideration next year.

Matt Hedges (D), North Carolina

Hedges enjoyed a breakout season last fall at Butler, and took advantage of thinning ranks to make the step up to UNC for the fall season. He has good size (6-foot-4, 185 pounds) and the tools to make an impact in MLS next year.

Eder Arreola (M/F), UCLA

The versatile attacker played his way onto the US Under-20 qualifying team earlier this year. He scored four goals and had seven assists last year, and had a trial this summer with clubs in Mexico — a possible destination after his senior year.

Brian Ownby (F), Virginia

A former US Under-20 international who scored at the U-20 World Cup in 2009, Ownby has battled through two injury-plagued seasons since. He’ll look to put those problems behind him and showcase his goal scoring and speed this fall.

MLS on Campus:
The Top 10 college players to watch heading into the new season

The college soccer season is just around the corner. Over the next week-and-a-half, teams will play out their exhibition schedules, but starting August 30, it’s all business as the NCAA’s elite look to unseat the Indiana Hoosiers as national champions. To help you prepare, MLSsoccer.com takes a look at the Top 10 Players to Watch for the upcoming 2013-14 season.

1. Indiana
The 2012 National Champions return eight starters including a stellar midfield that includes seniors A.J. Corrado (1g, 12a), Nikita Kotlov (9g, 4a), Jacob Bushue (1g, 5a) and Harrison Petts (1g, 2a). Add Dylan Mares who transfers in from Louisville and sophomore Richard Ballard among others to the mix and you have one of the top midfields in the country. The challenge is replacing the offensive firepower that left the building when Eriq Zavaleta (18g, 4a) elected to forgo his final two seasons of eligibility to enter the professional ranks. Solve that and the Hoosiers will be a team to recon with.

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